Accommodation and Excursion Options

Accommodation north of Auckland City  close to where
the birds are!

Kiwi Wildlifes home base is at Tramcar Bay on the shores
of the Whangateau Harbour in the Warkworth-Matakana-Leigh
area, 50 mins north of Auckland. We do not offer accommodation
ourselves (we sold Te Kauri Birding Lodge recently and the
new owners have decided not to continue it as a lodge) however
we continue to offer our bird guiding services for daily excursions,
seabird pelagics together with our highly successful birders
travel service.

When you book through us you have our commitment to see you
settled at the start of your New Zealand visit so you have
time to relax before heading out to see the many endemics
in this area. Of course if you want to go straight out and
start looking for birds, thats no problem. Well
be ready to take you out birding whenever it suits you.

Heres the chance to kick-start your New Zealand birding
adventure!

Were just beyond the edge of the Auckland City. This
is an area with a superb indented coastline, hilly countryside
with many acres of coastal and inland forest still intact
including some reserves with towering kauri. It is also an
area of beaches, high rocky headlands, and mangrove-lined
estuaries snake back into the hills. The Hauraki Gulf and
its many islands (most like Tiritiri Matangi are precious
sanctuaries for New Zealands endemic wildlife) is close
at hand, an opportunity to see seabirds endemic to northern
New Zealand.

Kiwi Wildlife can arrange accommodation in a variety of places
close to our boat trips and handy to Tiritiri Matangi and
local birding sites: motels, hotels, B&Bs and camping
grounds - whatever suits. Heres a sampling:

Salty Dog Inn at Snells Beach offers
comfortable roomy motel-style accommodation. The Salty Dog
Inn restaurant serves excellent meals with a selection of
local wines. The bar is a warm and friendly place to relax.
Our tour groups stay here so they are well used to birders!
Close to our pelagics departure point.

Moana Lodge is located in North Cove on Kawau
Island overlooking one of the most sheltered anchorages
in the Hauraki Gulf and is only accessible by water. Your
stay can be as relaxing or as busy as you decide. If you are
staying at Moana Lodge and doing a pelagic with us then we
can arrange to pick you up from Kawau Island  you just
have to walk down to the jetty and meet our boat.

Guest accommodation comprises 2 queen bedrooms, each
with its own en-suite and 1 queen bedroom with own separate
bathroom. All suites have access direct onto the expansive
decks over-looking the bay, use of mini fridge and bar
plus own tea and coffee making facilities. Continental
breakfast can be enjoyed with your hosts or in the privacy
of your own area. Alternatively a cooked breakfast is
available for a small extra charge. Lunch and dinner
are available, as restaurant and café facilities
are limited on the island.

Moana Lodge

Mansion House Bay, Kawau island

Moana Lodge, Kawau Island

The house policy is non-smoking inside. Nestled in the trees
above the harbour, there are extensive views from the whole
home. Bush walks with North Island weka, morepork and tui;
swimming; kayaking; sightseeing and sailing.

This historic hotel overlooks the river, right in the heart
of Warkworth. The Bridgehouse offers budget en-suite accommodation
with a very good bar and restaurant. Handy to SH1 and the
many birding locations we visit in the area.